JP2021002787A - Terminal device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technique for appropriately changing over multiple kinds of origination methods in a terminal device.SOLUTION: A communication section 34 acquires history information indicating an operation in another terminal device 16. A control section 38 selects one communication mode between a first communication mode to start communication after a predetermined operation is performed in the other terminal device 16 based on history information acquired in the communication section 34 and a second communication mode to start communication even when the predetermined operation is not performed in the other terminal device 16. The communication section 34 originates a signal to the other terminal device 16 in accordance with a communication mode selected in the control section 38.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to communication technology, and more particularly to a terminal device and a program capable of executing a plurality of types of communication modes.

In a communication system composed of a plurality of terminal devices, a plurality of types of communication modes may be supported. For example, in the first communication mode, communication is started after a predetermined operation is performed on the terminal device that has received the call signal, and in the second communication mode, the predetermined operation is not performed on the terminal device that has received the call signal. Even in that case, communication is started. In the first communication mode, since the communication is started after the called user performs a predetermined operation, the communication is not started without the user's knowledge, and the user surely grasps the existence of the communication. it can. On the other hand, in the second communication mode, communication is started even when a predetermined operation is not performed, so that communication can be started quickly. As described above, the plurality of types of communication modes have different characteristics and merits.

Further, Patent Document 1 proposes a system in which a relay device relays communication between a wireless communication device and a telephone via a network. In this system, the relay device responds to an incoming call from the telephone on the condition that a reliable answer instruction is given from the wireless communication device of the slave unit. Here, the relay device executes a call mode in the case of a single incoming call, executes a wireless call mode in the case of broadcast distribution, and sets a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) call mode in the case of calling a wireless communication device. Execute.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-135290

When a user tries to start communication with a communication partner using a certain communication mode, the communication partner is not always in a situation suitable for calling in that communication mode. For example, even if the user starts communication in the "normal transmission mode", if the communication partner is away from the terminal device, the uttered content may not be recognized by the communication partner. Therefore, it is desirable to properly use a plurality of types of communication modes.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for appropriately switching between a plurality of types of transmission methods in a terminal device.

In order to solve the above problems, the terminal device of a certain aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires history information indicating an operation in another terminal device, and another terminal based on the history information acquired by the acquisition unit. Either the first communication mode in which communication is started after a predetermined operation is performed in the device, or the second communication mode in which communication is started even when the predetermined operation is not performed in another terminal device. It is provided with a control unit that selects the communication mode of the above, and a communication unit that transmits a signal to another terminal device according to the communication mode selected by the control unit.

It should be noted that any combination of the above components and the conversion of the expression of the present invention between methods, devices, systems, recording media, computer programs and the like are also effective as aspects of the present invention.

According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately switch between a plurality of types of transmission methods in a terminal device.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the communication system which concerns on Example 1. FIG. 2 (a)-(b) are diagrams showing an outline of normal transmission in a communication system. 3 (a)-(d) are diagrams showing an outline of RBT transmission in a communication system. 4 (a)-(b) are views showing a screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal device. It is a figure which shows the hardware composition and the functional block of a terminal apparatus. It is a figure which shows the detailed functional block of a terminal device. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the operation history packet transmitted from a terminal apparatus. It is a figure which shows the hardware composition and the functional block of a management device. It is a figure which shows the detailed functional block of a management device. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the history table of a management device. It is a flowchart which shows the communication mode selection process by a terminal device. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the transmission method acquisition process by a terminal device. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the occupancy coefficient table of the terminal apparatus which concerns on Example 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the communication mode selection process by a terminal device. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the noise coefficient table of the terminal apparatus which concerns on Example 3. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the communication mode selection process by a terminal device. It is a flowchart which shows the communication mode selection process by the terminal apparatus which concerns on Example 5. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the operation history packet transmitted from the terminal apparatus which concerns on Example 6. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the history table of a management device.

(Example 1)
FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the communication system 100. The communication system 100 includes a network 10, a management device 12, a first base station device 14a collectively referred to as a base station device 14, a second base station device 14b, a third base station device 14c, and a first terminal device 16 collectively. The terminal device 16a, ..., The eighth terminal device 16h is included. Here, the number of base station devices 14 included in the communication system 100 is not limited to "3", and the number of terminal devices 16 is not limited to "8" and may be more or less than them. May be good.

The terminal device 16 is also called an IP transceiver or a PoC (Push-to-Talk over Cellular) transceiver, and executes voice communication. Voice communication is a push-to-talk method, and individual calls, group calls, and simultaneous calls are also possible. In order to execute such voice communication, the terminal device 16 is connected to the base station device 14. Here, half-duplex or full-duplex communication is used as the communication method between the base station device 14 and the terminal device 16.

The plurality of base station devices 14 are connected to each other by the network 10. The network 10 is, for example, an IP (Internet Protocol) network. The management device 12 is connected to the network 10. The management device 12 is configured by, for example, a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) server or the like, and executes SIP sequence processing when a call is made between the terminal devices 16.

In such a configuration, the user (user) of the terminal device 16 executes a voice call with another user who uses the other terminal device 16 by pressing the call button of the terminal device 16. When the communication method is half-duplex communication, in a plurality of terminal devices 16 related to a certain voice call, while one user presses the call button and speaks, the other user presses the call button. Can't speak. The operation when the call button is pressed when starting a call includes a normal call and a Ring Back Tone (hereinafter referred to as "RBT") call. The communication mode in which "RBT transmission" is performed (RBT transmission mode) may be referred to as "first communication mode", and the communication mode in which "normal transmission" is performed (normal transmission mode) may be referred to as "second communication mode". ..

2 (a)-(b) show the outline of the normal transmission in the communication system 100. Here, communication between two terminal devices 16 of the first terminal device 16a and the second terminal device 16b is premised, but communication between three or more terminal devices 16 may be performed, and a one-to-many group may be used. It may be communication. The first terminal device 16a is used by the first user 18a, and the second terminal device 16b is used by the second user 18b. Also, assume the case of using half-duplex communication.

In FIG. 2A, the first user 18a does not have to operate the second terminal device 16b while the first user 18a presses down the call button of the first terminal device 16a. And the voice call with the second user 18b are started. Specifically, while the first user 18a is pressing down the call button of the first terminal device 16a, the voice uttered by the first user 18a is used as a voice signal from the first terminal device 16a to the second terminal. It is transmitted to the device 16b. The second terminal device 16b reproduces the received voice signal and outputs the voice. FIG. 2B is a process following FIG. 2A, in which the voice uttered by the second user 18b is voiced while the second user 18b is pressing the call button of the second terminal device 16b. As a signal, it is transmitted from the second terminal device 16b to the first terminal device 16a. The first terminal device 16a reproduces the received voice signal and outputs the voice. In this way, the call button is alternately pressed down between the first user 18a and the second user 18b to make a call.

3 (a)-(d) show an outline of RBT transmission in the communication system 100. 3 (a)-(d) are shown in the same manner as in FIGS. 2 (a)-(b). While the first user 18a presses down the call button of the first terminal device 16a, the first terminal device 16a outputs a ringing tone. The second terminal device 16b does not start a voice call and outputs a ringtone. FIG. 3B is a process following FIG. 3A, and when the second user 18b who hears the ringtone performs a predetermined operation such as pressing the call button of the second terminal device 16b, FIG. The transition to the start of the call in 3 (c) is made. When the first user 18a stops pressing the call button on the first terminal device 16a (releases the call button), the call shown in FIG. 3C ends. When the second user 18b keeps pressing the call button of the second terminal device 16b within a predetermined time from the end of the call, a call back call (callback) from the second terminal device 16b to the first terminal device 16a starts. Will be done. This state is shown in FIG. 3 (d). In the return call for the RBT transmission, normally, the ring tone of the second terminal device 16b and the ring tone of the first terminal device 16a are not output, and the call is immediately entered.

When the second user 18b presses the call button of the second terminal device 16b after a predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the call of FIG. 3C, a new RBT call is made instead of a call back. In this case, the ringing tone of the second terminal device 16b and the ringtone of the first terminal device 16a are output. As described above, in the RBT transmission, it is necessary to operate the terminal device 16 on the receiving side (calling side) in order to start the voice call. Therefore, the RBT transmission is used when it is necessary to reliably convey information to the transmission partner. In the above description, the RBT transmission is executed by the operation of continuously pressing the call button, but the RBT transmission may be executed by another operation. For example, RBT transmission may be executed by pressing the call button once (for a short time).

Switching between normal transmission and RBT transmission is generally based on the setting in the terminal device 16 on the transmitting side. In the terminal device 16, when "normal transmission" is set, or when "normal transmission or RBT transmission at the time of transmission" is set and "normal transmission" is selected at the time of transmission, normal transmission is performed. 4 (a)-(b) show a screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal device 16. This is a screen example for making settings related to normal transmission and RBT transmission in the terminal device 16. The operation at the time of transmission is set by using the RBT usage setting screen of FIG. 4A. When "Not use" is set, a normal call is made after pressing the call button. When "Always use" is set, the RBT call is made after pressing the call button. When "Select when making a call" is set, the call selection screen shown in FIG. 4B is displayed after pressing the call button. That is, the user 18 selects normal transmission or RBT transmission each time a call is started (for each call). When "RBT transmission" is selected on the transmission selection screen of FIG. 4B, RBT transmission is performed. When "Normal call" is selected, a normal call is made.

As described above, the main voice communication methods are individual call, group call, and simultaneous call. The individual call is a call from a certain terminal device 16 to a specific terminal device 16. In the group call, when a plurality of terminal devices 16 are divided into several groups and a group call is made from a certain terminal device 16, all the terminal devices 16 are set in the same group as the terminal device 16. It is a broadcast call toward the terminal device 16. The simultaneous call is a broadcast call from a certain terminal device 16 to all the terminal devices 16 belonging to the communication system 100. Normal transmission and RBT transmission are possible for both group call and simultaneous call, and when RBT transmission is performed by group call and simultaneous call, a ring tone is output by a plurality of target terminal devices 16. After that, when the call button of any of the terminal devices 16 that is receiving an incoming call is pressed, a group call or a simultaneous call is started.

In the IP wireless communication system, a mobile phone terminal such as a smartphone on which an IP wireless communication application is installed can be used as the terminal device 16. By installing the IP wireless communication application, the mobile phone terminal can make a push-to-talk call with another terminal device 16 or a mobile phone terminal on which another IP wireless communication application is installed. .. Further, recent electric appliances such as room lighting, televisions, stereos, air conditioners, IT products, personal computers, tablet terminals and the like can be controlled by mobile phone terminals such as smartphones when connected to a network. By installing the control application on the mobile phone terminal, it is possible to operate the external device, which is a device different from the terminal device 16, from the terminal device 16. The external device may be referred to as an external device or a peripheral device. Specifically, the operation of external devices includes switching on / off of room lighting, switching on / off of TV and stereo, channel switching, volume adjustment, switching of air conditioner on / off, and turning on / off of PC power supply. Operations such as turning off and turning on / off the tablet terminal. In addition, the mobile phone terminal can store the operation history of the above-mentioned device. Hereinafter, the operation history of the above-mentioned device by the above-mentioned mobile phone terminal may be referred to as an external device operation history.

When the terminal device 16 is set to "not used" or "select at the time of outgoing call" in the RBT use setting and "normal outgoing call" is selected on the outgoing call selection screen, the normal outgoing call is performed. As described above, in normal transmission, a call is made without operating the call button on the receiving terminal device 16. Therefore, when the user 18 who is using the terminal device 16 on the receiving side is not near the terminal device 16 due to leaving his / her seat, or when the terminal device 16 is stored in a bag or pocket, the receiving side There is a high possibility that the user 18 will miss the contents of the call, and the transmitted information will be wasted. On the other hand, RBT transmission is used when it is necessary to reliably convey information to the transmission partner as described above. However, since RBT transmission requires operation of the terminal device 16 on the receiving side, there is a demerit that the immediacy of call information is impaired in transmission in which highly important information is desired to be transmitted immediately.

However, the user 18 of the terminal device 16 on the transmitting side selects RBT transmission when it is necessary to reliably convey information to the transmitting party when the receiving state of the terminal device 16 on the receiving side is unknown. At that time, even if the terminal device 16 on the receiving side can immediately receive the call, the user 18 on the transmitting side has selected the RBT transmission, so that the user 18 on the receiving side is required to respond to the RBT transmission. It takes time and effort to operate the user 18. Further, since the operation of the user 18 is required on the receiving side, there is a problem that the immediacy of the call information is impaired when it is desired to convey highly important information immediately.

FIG. 5 shows the hardware configuration and functional blocks of the terminal device 16. The terminal device 16 includes a clock oscillator 200, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 210, a user IF (Interface) 220, a communication IF 230, a voice IF 240, and a storage unit 40. The clock oscillator 200, the CPU 210, the user IF 220, the communication IF 230, the voice IF 240, and the storage unit 40 are connected by the bus 250. In addition, there is an external device 20 to be controlled by the terminal device 16.

The clock oscillator 200 is, for example, a crystal oscillator and generates a signal having a constant frequency. The CPU 210 executes the process in the terminal device 16. The user IF 220 is an interface to the user 18 who is a user. The user IF 220 receives information from the user 18 and presents the information to the user 18. The communication IF 230 is connected to the network 10 and communicates with the base station device 14. Further, it communicates with the management device 12 via the base station device 14. Further, the communication IF 230 executes wireless communication or wired communication with an external device 20 such as a home electric appliance. The storage unit 40 is a medium for storing information, for example, a hard disk or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

The clock oscillator 200 includes a timekeeping unit 32, a CPU 210 includes a control unit 38, a user IF 220 includes an input unit 30 and a display unit 36, and a communication IF 230 includes a communication unit 34 and a short-range communication unit 42. The storage unit 40 includes a setting table 60 and a history table 64. The voice IF 240 is an interface for inputting / outputting call voice, and includes a voice input unit 44 and a voice output unit 46. The voice input unit 44 is composed of, for example, a microphone (microphone), and the voice output unit 46 is composed of, for example, a speaker.

FIG. 6 shows a detailed functional block of the terminal device 16. The terminal device 16 includes an input unit 30, a timekeeping unit 32, a communication unit 34, a display unit 36, a control unit 38, a storage unit 40, a short-range communication unit 42, a voice input unit 44, and a voice output unit 46. The storage unit 40 includes a setting table 60 and a history table 64. The input unit 30 includes various buttons for the user 18 of the terminal device 16 to operate, an input device such as a touch panel, and an interface for notifying the control unit 38 of the state of the input device. The input unit 30 also includes a call button that is pressed when making a call. Further, the input unit 30 also includes an operation button that is pressed when operating the external device 20. The pressed state of the call button is detected by the input unit 30 and input to the control unit 38. The display unit 36 is an interface for displaying the settings of the terminal device 16 and the call status, and is, for example, a display.

The communication unit 34 (first communication unit) can communicate with another terminal device 16 by using a mobile phone system, a business wireless system, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) connected to the Internet, or the like. The short-range communication unit 42 (second communication unit) can communicate with the external device 20 by using short-range radio such as wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared communication, and NFC (Near Field Communication). The external device 20 is, for example, an air conditioner, a lighting device, a heating device, a video device such as a television, an audio device, an IT device, a cooking appliance, a household appliance, a door key, a home security device, and the like. It is assumed that these external devices 20 are mainly installed inside the building, but they may be installed outdoors. By using a wireless LAN in the communication unit 34 and the short-range communication unit 42, these may be standardized. Further, the short-range communication unit 42 and the external device 20 may be connected by using wired communication. One terminal device 16 controls one or more arbitrary number of external devices 20. Further, some terminal devices 16 included in the communication system 100 do not have to control the external device 20. That is, in the communication system 100, one or more terminal devices 16 may control one or more external devices 20.

Various setting information about the terminal device 16 is recorded in the setting table 60 in the storage unit 40. For example, information regarding RBT usage settings (RBT setting information) is recorded in the setting table 60. Specifically, information indicating which of "not use", "always use", and "select at the time of outgoing call" is selected by the user 18 in the RBT usage setting, for example, values of 0, 1, and 2. Is recorded. The history table 64 in the storage unit 40 records information regarding the operation history of the external device of each terminal device 16 distributed from the management device 12. Details of the history table 64 will be described later in the description of the block diagram of the management device 12.

When the external device 20 is operated by the terminal device 16, the control unit 38 acquires the current time (current date and time) from the time measuring unit 32. The control unit 38 packetizes the current time acquired from the timekeeping unit 32 and the operation history of the external device 20 and transmits the packet to the management device 12 through the communication unit 34. In this embodiment, the packet is called an operation history packet.

FIG. 7 shows a data structure of an operation history packet transmitted from the terminal device 16. In the terminal ID, the name and ID of the terminal device 16 are described. The name may be omitted and only the ID may be described. The operation date and time includes the date and time when the external device 20 is operated, and the date (year / month / day) and the current time acquired from the timekeeping unit 32 are described, respectively. The name of the external device 20 that performed the operation is described in the device type. In this embodiment, the name of the external device 20 is recorded for each device type, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the identifier (external device ID) of the external device 20 may be recorded. For example, when there are a plurality of air conditioners in a building, an identifier that identifies each air conditioner may be recorded for each model. In the operation type, the type of operation performed on the external device 20, specifically, "ON" when the power of the external device 20 is turned on and "OFF" when the power is turned off are described. In addition, the notation of "2018/6/1 10:19:14" which is a description example of the operation date and time indicates that it is "June 1, 2018 10:19:14".

FIG. 8 shows the hardware configuration and functional blocks of the management device 12. The management device 12 includes a clock oscillator 400, a CPU 410, a communication IF 430, and a storage unit 340. The clock oscillator 400, the CPU 410, the communication IF 430, and the storage unit 340 are connected by the bus 450.

The clock oscillator 400 is, for example, a crystal oscillator and generates a signal having a constant frequency. The CPU 410 executes the process in the management device 12. The communication IF 430 is connected to the network 10 and communicates with the base station device 14. Further, the communication IF 430 communicates with the terminal device 16 via the base station device 14. The storage unit 340 is a medium for storing information, for example, a hard disk or an SSD. The clock oscillator 400 includes a timekeeping unit 332, the CPU 410 includes a control unit 338, and the communication IF 430 includes a communication unit 334. The storage unit 340 includes a history table 362.

FIG. 9 shows a detailed functional block of the management device 12. The management device 12 includes a timekeeping unit 332, a communication unit 334, a control unit 338, and a storage unit 340. The storage unit 340 includes a history table 362. The communication unit 334 receives an operation history packet transmitted from each terminal device 16 at a predetermined cycle. The communication unit 334 outputs the received operation history packet to the control unit 338.

A history table 362 is arranged in the storage unit 340. The contents of the operation history packet transmitted from each terminal device 16 are recorded in the history table 362. FIG. 10 shows the data structure of the history table 362 of the management device 12. Each parameter of the history table 362 is the same as the content described in the operation history packet configuration example of FIG. 7. In the history table 362, the terminal ID may be only the ID, or the recording of the name of the terminal device 16 may be omitted. Further, in this figure, there are also a third terminal device 16c, a fourth terminal device 16d, a fifth terminal device 16e, and a sixth terminal device 16f, which are not shown in FIGS. 2A-(b). The ID of each terminal device 16 is the first terminal device 16a (ID: 001), the second terminal device 16b (ID: 002), the third terminal device 16c (ID: 003), and the fourth terminal device 16d (ID: 004). , 5th terminal device 16e (ID: 005), 6th terminal device 16f (ID: 006).

When the control unit 338 receives the operation history packet from each terminal device 16, it adds a new record (operation history) to the history table 362 and records (adds) the content of the operation history packet. That is, in the history table 362, all the information (information regarding start and stop) in which each terminal device 16 controls the external device 20 during a predetermined period (for example, 3 days) is recorded. Although the history of a part of the history table 362 is illustrated in this figure, the number of days of the recording period may be longer than that of this configuration example. Further, in the operation history packet of FIG. 7, the operation date and time may be omitted, and the date and time when the management device 12 receives the operation history packet may be recorded in the operation date and time of the history table 362. Return to FIG.

The control unit 338 acquires the history table 362 from the storage unit 340 at a predetermined cycle (for example, 3 minutes). The communication unit 334 distributes the contents of the history table 362 to all the terminal devices 16 via the base station device 14 at a predetermined cycle.

Here, the description of the terminal device 16 of FIG. 6 is returned to. The communication unit 34 of the terminal device 16 receives the history table 362 from the management device 12. It can be said that this is the history information indicating the operation in the other terminal device 16 and the history information indicating that the other terminal device 16 has controlled the start and stop of the external device 20. The control unit 38 records the history table 362 received by the communication unit 34 in the storage unit 40 as the history table 64. That is, the contents of the history table 362 of the storage unit 340 of the management device 12 and the contents of the history table 64 of the storage unit 40 of the terminal device 16 are synchronized by the distribution of a predetermined cycle from the management device 12. The history table 362 or the history table 64 may be referred to as history information, but any one or more rows of data (records) included in the history table 362 or the history table 64 may be referred to as history information or operation history. There is also.

When the call button is operated and the input unit 30 detects that the call button is pressed, the control unit 38 refers to the storage unit 40 and confirms the transmission method. When the transmission method is normal transmission, the control unit 38 normally transmits to the transmission destination terminal device 16 (hereinafter, also referred to as “destination terminal device 16”). When the transmission method is RBT transmission, the control unit 38 acquires the current time (current date and time) CT from the timing unit 32. The control unit 38 refers to the history table 64 of the storage unit 40, and all the terminals whose terminal ID is the destination terminal device 16 and whose difference P between the operation date and time and the current time CT is shorter than a predetermined period (for example, 2 hours). Get a record. One or more records acquired here are called record R. When the record R of the destination terminal device 16 does not exist in the history table 64, the control unit 38 makes an RBT transmission to the destination terminal device 16.

After acquiring the record R for the destination terminal device 16, the control unit 38 acquires the operation types of all the records R. When the number of records R whose operation type is "ON" is less than a predetermined number, for example, when all the operation types of records R are "OFF", the control unit 38 makes an RBT transmission to the destination terminal device 16. When there are a predetermined number or more of records R whose operation type is "ON", the control unit 38 normally makes a transmission to the destination terminal device 16. That is, the control unit 38 selects either the RBT transmission mode or the normal transmission mode based on the acquired history table 64. This is because when the destination terminal device 16 operates the external device 20, that is, when the room lighting, the television, the air conditioner, etc. are set to "ON" within a predetermined period, the destination user 18 is currently indoors. Moreover, it is highly likely that the terminal device 16 stays in the same place, and the process is based on the knowledge that there is no problem even if the call is started immediately. In the following, for the sake of brevity, the predetermined number is set to "1" unless otherwise specified, but the present invention is not limited to this value.

In the example of FIG. 10, when the destination terminal device 16 is the first terminal device 16a and the current time CT is "10:30", the difference P between the operation date and time and the current time CT is a predetermined period (for example, 2). The record R shorter than the time) has the operation date and time of "2018/6/1 10:25:24", "2018/6/1 10:19:59", and "2018/6/1 10:19:32". There are three, and the operation type of two records, the operation date and time is "2018/6/1 10:19:59" and "2018/6/1 10:19:32", is "ON". .. Assuming that the predetermined number is "1", the number of records "2" of "ON" is the predetermined number "1" or more. Therefore, when transmitting to the first terminal device 16a, the control unit 38 is selected by the user 18. Even if the transmission method is RBT transmission, it automatically switches to normal transmission. By automatically switching the transmission method to normal transmission, it is possible to start a call more quickly than with RBT transmission, and the user 18 on the receiving side can also receive the call without operating the terminal device 16.

The following method may be used. The control unit 38 refers to the history table 64 of the storage unit 40, and extracts the record having the latest operation date and time from the records whose terminal ID is the destination terminal device 16. Next, the control unit 38 determines whether or not the operation type of the record is "ON" and the time difference between the operation date and time and the current time CT is less than a predetermined time (for example, 1 hour). If this condition is met, it is considered that the destination user 18 is currently indoors and is likely to stay in place with the terminal device 16, and the control unit 38 normally makes a call to the destination terminal device 16. I do. That is, the control unit 38 selects normal transmission when there is history information that the transmission destination terminal device 16 has activated the external device 20 within a predetermined period.

Further, the control unit 38 acquires the latest (most recent) operation history for each device type for the operation history in which the terminal ID is the destination terminal device 16, and based on the number of operation types that are "ON". In addition, the communication mode may be selected. For example, the operation history of the three external devices 20 of "TV", "lighting", and "air conditioner" is recorded, the latest operation type of "TV" is "ON", and the latest operation type of lighting is "ON". , The latest operation type of the air conditioner is "OFF". In this case, the number of "ON" external devices 20 is two, and when the number of external devices 20 whose latest history is "ON" is two or more, normal transmission is selected by using the condition for performing normal transmission. .. Further, for example, when all three operation types are "OFF", RBT transmission is selected. That is, the communication unit 34 acquires the history information in which the transmission destination terminal device 16 controls a plurality of external devices 20, and the control unit 38 has a predetermined number or more of the external devices 20 in the activated state (“ON” state). If, select normal outgoing call.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a communication mode selection process by the terminal device 16. The control unit 38 monitors the pressing of the call button from the input unit 30. (S100). If the call button press is not detected (S100: No), the process returns to S100 and the process is repeated. When the call button press is detected (S100: Yes), the process proceeds to S110. In S110, the control unit 38 executes the transmission method acquisition process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of the transmission method acquisition process of S110. In S300, the control unit 38 acquires the RBT usage setting from the setting table 60. In the setting table 60, data related to RBT use selected by the user 18 (data indicating any of "not used", "always used", and "selected at the time of outgoing call") is recorded, and the data is stored. get. Then proceed to S310. If the RBT usage setting is "not used" in S310 (S310: Yes), the process proceeds to S350. If the RBT usage setting is other than "not used" (S310: No), the process proceeds to S320. In S320, when the RBT use setting is "always used" (S320: Yes), the process proceeds to S340. If the RBT usage setting is other than "always used" (S320: No), the process proceeds to S330. When proceeding to S330, it is the case that "selection at the time of outgoing call" is selected.

In S330, the control unit 38 causes the display unit 36 to display the transmission selection screen shown in FIG. 4B. The control unit 38 acquires data indicating "RBT transmission" or "normal transmission" selected by the user 18 via the input unit 30. Then, the control unit 38 determines whether or not "RBT transmission" is selected on the transmission selection screen. When "RBT transmission" is selected on the transmission selection screen (S330: Yes), the process proceeds to S340. When a call other than "RBT call" is selected on the call selection screen, that is, when "normal call" is selected in this embodiment (S330: No), the process proceeds to S350. In S340, the variable SX indicating the transmission method is set to "RBT transmission" and returned, and the process ends. In S350, the variable SX indicating the transmission method is set to "normal transmission" and returned, and the process ends. Return to the flowchart of FIG.

In S120, the control unit 38 determines whether or not the variable SX acquired in S110 is "RBT transmission". If the transmission method is "RBT transmission" (S120: Yes), the process proceeds to S130. If the transmission method is "normal transmission" (S120: No), the process proceeds to S170. In S130, the control unit 38 acquires the current time CT from the timekeeping unit 32. Then proceed to S140. In S140, from the history table 64 of the storage unit 40, the terminal ID is the destination terminal device 16, and the difference P between the operation date and time and the current time (current date and time) CT is a predetermined period (for example, 2 hours). Get all shorter records R. If the record R does not exist, a NULL indicating that fact is acquired. Then proceed to S150. In S150, the control unit 38 determines whether or not the record R exists. If the record R exists (S150: Yes), the process proceeds to S160. If the record R does not exist (S150: No), the process proceeds to S180.

In S160, the control unit 38 acquires the operation types of all the records R acquired in S140, and determines whether or not there is one or more records whose operation type is "ON". That is, it is determined whether or not there are a predetermined number or more of records whose operation type is "ON". If all the operation types of the record R are "OFF", (S160: No) proceeds to S180. If one or more "ON" is present in the operation type of the record R (S160: Yes), the process proceeds to S170. In S170, the control unit 38 normally transmits to the transmission destination terminal device 16. Then the process ends. In S180, the control unit 38 makes an RBT transmission to the transmission destination terminal device 16. Then the process ends. That is, the communication unit 34 transmits a signal to the transmission destination terminal device 16 according to the communication mode selected by the control unit 38.

In the above description, when "RBT transmission" is set in the variable SX, the process of selecting "normal transmission" based on the operation history has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. When "normal transmission" is set in the variable SX, a process of selecting "RBT transmission" may be performed based on the operation history. For example, in the flowchart of FIG. 11, instead of proceeding to S170 in the case of S120: No, the record R of the destination terminal device 16 is acquired in the same manner as in S140. Then, "RBT transmission" may be selected when the record R does not exist or when the number of records whose operation type is "ON" in the record R is less than a predetermined number (for example, one). Further, in the flowchart of FIG. 11, although the processing is performed using the value of the variable SX, the variable SX may not be used. That is, the control unit 38 may automatically select "normal transmission" or "RBT transmission" based on the operation history without causing the user 18 to set the transmission method. That is, in the record R, "normal transmission" may be selected when the number of records whose operation type is "ON" is equal to or more than a predetermined number, and "RBT transmission" may be selected in other cases.

According to this embodiment, since the transmission method of the transmission source terminal device is switched according to the operation status of the transmission destination terminal device, the communication mode can be appropriately used. Further, since the transmission method is switched according to the operation status of the destination terminal device, a plurality of types of communication modes can be appropriately selected. In addition, since the transmission method is appropriately switched, the occurrence of a situation in which the information spoken by the user of the calling terminal device is not recognized by the user of the calling terminal device is reduced, and the user of the calling terminal device is notified. Information can be transmitted more quickly. In addition, even if the terminal device is set to RBT call, the call method is automatically switched to normal call depending on the operation status of the call destination terminal device, so the reception operation of the call destination terminal device is omitted and the call is started more quickly. it can. Further, even if the setting of the terminal device is set to automatic transmission, the transmission method is automatically switched to RBT transmission from the history of the operation status of the destination terminal device, so that the possibility of missing a call on the destination terminal device can be reduced. .. That is, the communication mode of the source terminal device is selected according to the operation status of the destination terminal device, and the certainty of the first communication mode (RBT transmission) and the immediateity of the second communication mode (normal transmission) are selected. It is compatible with sex. That is, a plurality of types of communication modes can be appropriately used.

Further, since the transmission method is switched based on the history information indicating that the transmission destination terminal device has controlled the start and stop of the external device 20, the state of the user can be estimated with high accuracy. Further, since the normal transmission is selected when the history information that the destination terminal device has activated the external device 20 within a predetermined period exists, the information spoken by the user of the calling terminal device is the user of the destination terminal device. It is possible to reduce the occurrence of unrecognized situations. Further, since the normal transmission is selected when the number of times when the plurality of external devices 20 are activated is equal to or more than a predetermined number, the information spoken by the user of the calling terminal device is not recognized by the user of the calling terminal device. Can be reduced.

(Example 2)
Next, Example 2 will be described. In the second embodiment, the transmission method is switched by weighting according to the device type operated by the transmission destination terminal device 16. The configuration of the block diagram inside the terminal device 16 of this embodiment, the block diagram of the management device 12, and the history table 64 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

As described above, the history table 64 of the storage unit 40 of the terminal device 16 is updated by periodic distribution from the management device 12. The control unit 38 calculates the occupancy index Z from the device type and operation type of the history table 64. The occupancy index Z is a value indicating the possibility that the transmission destination terminal device 16 exists in the room, and is determined by the occupancy coefficient of the device whose operation type is “ON”. The occupancy index Z can be said to be a communication ease index indicating the degree to which the user 18 of the destination terminal device 16 recognizes the communication. That is, the larger the occupancy index Z, the easier it is for the user 18 of the destination terminal device 16 to recognize the existence of communication and grasp the communication content, so that the communication is easier. It can be said that.

FIG. 13 shows the data structure of the occupancy coefficient table stored in the storage unit 40 of the terminal device 16. The occupancy coefficient table is a table that represents the occupancy coefficient (weighting coefficient) for each device. The occupancy coefficient is set individually for each device type, and when the device is used (when the power supply is in the "ON" state), it is highly likely that the user 18 is present in the room. The more the device, the higher the occupancy coefficient is set. The table may be distributed from the management device 12, or may be stored in advance by the terminal device 16 without being distributed from the management device 12. Further, the management device 12 may distribute the same occupancy coefficient table to all users 18, or distributes the occupancy coefficient table individually set for each terminal device 16 (terminal ID). You may. Each terminal device 16 may store the occupancy coefficient input to the input unit 30 by each user 18 in the occupancy coefficient table. Further, the value changed by the user 18 may be stored based on the occupancy coefficient table received from the management device 12. That is, the user 18 of the terminal device 16 may set the occupancy coefficient table in consideration of his / her daily behavior pattern. For example, a user who always turns off the TV when going out of the room sets the TV occupancy coefficient to a value larger than the standard value, and a user who often goes out of the room with the TV on sets the TV occupancy coefficient. You can set it to a value smaller than the standard. When the occupancy coefficient table is created or changed in the terminal device 16, the terminal device 16 transmits the occupancy coefficient table in association with the management device 12. The storage unit 340 of the management device 12 stores the occupancy coefficient table for each terminal ID, and distributes the occupancy coefficient table associated with the terminal ID to each terminal device 16. That is, when the occupancy coefficient table is set in one terminal device 16, the data is distributed to all the other terminal devices 16 via the management device 12.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a communication mode selection process by the terminal device 16. S100 to S140 are the same as the flowchart of FIG. In S145 following S140, the control unit 38 of the terminal device 16 acquires a record whose operation type is "ON" in the record R, and sets the total value of the occupancy coefficient for each device type as the occupancy index Z. Calculate as. If the record R acquired in S140 does not exist, the occupancy index Z is set to "0". When the storage unit 40 stores the occupancy coefficient table for each terminal ID, the occupancy coefficient table corresponding to the destination terminal device 16 is used. In the example of FIG. 10, when the destination terminal device 16 is the first terminal device 16a and the current time (current date and time) CT is "2018/6/1 10:30", the operation date and time and the current time CT are Records R in which the difference P is shorter than a predetermined period (for example, 2 hours) are "2018/6/1 10:25:24", "2018/6/1 10:19:59", "2018/6/1 10:" 19:32 ". Among them, the operation type of the records of "2018/6/1 10:19:59" and "2018/6/1 10:19:32" is "ON".

Since the device type of "2018/6/1 10:19:59" is "television" and the device type of "2018/6/1 10:19:32" is "lighting", it is illustrated in FIG. With reference to the occupancy coefficient table, the occupancy coefficient "7" of the "television" and the occupancy coefficient "10" of the lighting can be obtained. Based on this information, the control unit 38 calculates the occupancy index Z as follows.

Room occupancy index Z = 7 (TV) +10 (lighting) = 17

That is, the control unit 38 adds the values (room occupancy coefficients) set for each of the plurality of external devices 20 for the external devices 20 activated in a predetermined period, and adds the occupancy index Z, which is a communication ease index. Is calculated.

In S155, the control unit 38 of the terminal device 16 determines whether or not the occupancy index Z is larger than a predetermined value (threshold value). If it is larger than the threshold value, the transition to S170 occurs. When the occupancy index Z is equal to or less than the threshold value, the transition to S180 occurs. For example, assuming that the threshold value is "15", since the occupancy index Z "17" calculated in the above example is larger than the threshold value, the transition to S170 is performed and normal transmission is performed. In this way, the control unit 38 selects normal transmission when the occupancy index Z satisfies a predetermined condition.

In S145, the occupancy index Z may be calculated using the data of the device type in which the operation type of the latest (most recent) history is "ON". When the destination terminal device 16 is the first terminal device 16a, in the example of FIG. 10, since the operation type of the latest history of the "television" is "OFF", in the calculation of the occupancy index Z, the "television" No history is used, only the "lighting" history is used. As a result, the occupancy index Z becomes the same as the occupancy coefficient “10” of “lighting”. Assuming that the threshold value of the occupancy index Z in S155 is "15", the occupancy index Z in this case is equal to or less than the threshold value, so the transition to S180 is performed and RBT transmission is performed.

In the flowchart of FIG. 14, when "RBT transmission" is set in the variable SX in S110, the process of selecting "normal transmission" based on the occupancy index Z has been described, but the process is limited to this. is not. When "normal transmission" is set in the variable SX, a process of selecting "RBT transmission" may be performed based on the occupancy index Z. For example, in the flowchart of FIG. 14, instead of proceeding to S170 in the case of S120: No, the record R of the destination terminal device 16 is acquired in the same manner as in S140, and the occupancy index Z is calculated in the same manner as in S145. Then, when the record R does not exist or the occupancy index Z is equal to or less than a predetermined value, "RBT transmission" may be selected. Further, in the flowchart of FIG. 14, although the processing is performed using the value of the variable SX, the variable SX may not be used. That is, the control unit 38 may automatically select "normal transmission" or "RBT transmission" based on the occupancy index Z without causing the user 18 to set the transmission method. That is, if the occupancy index Z is larger than the threshold value, "normal transmission" may be selected, and if the occupancy index Z is equal to or less than the threshold value, "RBT transmission" may be selected.

According to this embodiment, different occupancy coefficients are set for each external device 20, and the occupancy index, which is the total value of the occupancy coefficients, is calculated, so that the transmission method can be switched with higher accuracy. That is, since the occupancy index is calculated as a communication easiness index indicating the degree to which the user of the destination terminal device recognizes the communication and the communication mode is selected based on the occupancy index, the communication mode can be selected accurately. .. Therefore, the information spoken by the user of the calling terminal device can be transmitted to the user of the calling terminal device more quickly while reducing the occurrence of a situation in which the user of the calling terminal device does not recognize the information. Can be done.

(Example 3)
Next, Example 3 will be described. In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the transmission method is switched by weighting according to the device type operated by the transmission destination terminal device 16. The internal block diagram of the terminal device 16 of this embodiment, the block diagram of the management device 12, and the history table 64 are the same as those of the first embodiment.

As described above, the history table 64 of the storage unit 40 of the terminal device 16 is updated by periodic distribution from the management device 12. The terminal device 16 calculates the noise index Y using the history table 64. The noise index Y is a value indicating the loudness (noise state) of the external device 20 controlled by the transmission destination terminal device 16, and is determined by the noise coefficient of the device whose operation type is “ON”. The noise index Y can also be said to be a communication ease index indicating the degree to which the user 18 of the destination terminal device 16 recognizes the communication. When the destination terminal device 16 turns on the external device 20 that produces sound, the volume (noise) around the destination terminal device 16 is expected to be loud to some extent, and the user 18 of the terminal device 16 is asked. It is presumed that it is difficult to notice the incoming call or to hear the contents of the call. That is, the larger the noise index Y, the more difficult it is for the user 18 of the destination terminal device 16 to recognize the existence of communication and grasp the communication content, so that the communication ease is low. I can say. On the other hand, the smaller the noise index Y, the easier it is for the user 18 of the destination terminal device 16 to recognize the existence of communication and grasp the communication content. I can say.

FIG. 15 shows the data structure of the noise coefficient table of the terminal device 16. The noise coefficient table is a table that represents the noise coefficient (weighting coefficient) for each device. The noise coefficient is set individually for each device type, and is a value indicating the possibility that noise (sound that interferes with a call) is generated around the user 18 when the device is used. As can be seen from the fact that the coefficients of "TV", "stereo", and "radio" are larger than those of the occupancy coefficient table of FIG. 13, there is a possibility that noise is generated around the user 18. The noise coefficient is set higher for equipment that is expected to have a higher noise coefficient. It should be noted that there may be data having a noise coefficient of "0" as in "Kotatsu" in FIG. Further, this table may be distributed from the management device 12, or may be stored in advance by the terminal device 16 without being distributed from the management device 12. Further, the management device 12 may distribute the same noise coefficient table to all the terminal devices 16, or may distribute the noise coefficient table individually set for each terminal device 16 (terminal ID). Good. Each terminal device 16 may store the noise coefficient input to the input unit 30 by each user 18 in the noise coefficient table. Further, the value changed by the user 18 may be stored based on the noise coefficient table received from the management device 12. That is, the user 18 of the terminal device 16 may set the noise coefficient table in consideration of his / her daily use of the device. For example, a user who has a habit of listening to the radio at a loud volume sets the radio noise coefficient to a value higher than the standard value, and a user who has a habit of listening to the radio at a low volume sets the radio noise coefficient to a value lower than the standard value. It should be set to. When the noise coefficient table is created or changed in the terminal device 16, the terminal device 16 transmits the terminal ID and the noise coefficient table to the management device 12 in association with each other. The storage unit 340 of the management device 12 stores a noise coefficient table for each terminal ID, and distributes the noise coefficient table associated with the terminal ID to each terminal device 16. That is, when the noise coefficient table is set in one terminal device 16, the data is distributed to all the other terminal devices 16 via the management device 12.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a communication mode selection process by the terminal device 16. S200 to S210 are the same as S100 to S110 in the flowchart of FIG. In S220 following S210, the control unit 38 determines whether or not the variable SX acquired in S210 is "RBT transmission". If the transmission method is "RBT transmission" (S220: Yes), the process proceeds to S270. When the transmission method is "normal transmission" (S220: No), the process proceeds to S230. In S230, the control unit 38 acquires the current time CT from the timekeeping unit 32. Then proceed to S240. In S240, from the history table 64 of the storage unit 40, the control unit 38 shows that the terminal ID is the destination terminal device 16 and the difference P between the operation date and time and the current time CT is shorter than a predetermined period (for example, 2 hours). Get record R. Then proceed to S250. In S250, the control unit 38 of the terminal device 16 identifies the device whose latest (most recent) operation history is "ON" from the record R, and calculates the total value of the noise coefficients of the specified device as the noise index Y. .. If the record R acquired in S240 does not exist, the noise index Y is set to "0". When the storage unit 40 stores the noise coefficient table for each terminal ID, the noise index Y is calculated using the noise coefficient table corresponding to the destination terminal device 16.

In the example of FIG. 10, when the destination terminal device 16 is the first terminal device 16a and the current time (current date and time) CT is "2018/6/1 10:30", the operation date and time and the current time CT are Records R in which the difference P is shorter than a predetermined period (for example, 2 hours) are "2018/6/1 10:25:24", "2018/6/1 10:19:59", "2018/6/1 10:" 19:32 ". The device type of the record R of "2018/6/1 10:25:24" and "2018/6/1 10:19:59" is all TV, but the latest record "2018/6/1 10" Since the operation type of ": 25: 24" is "OFF", the latest operation history of the television is "OFF". On the other hand, the device type of the record R of "2018/6/1 10:19:32" is lighting, but since "2018/6/1 10:19:32" is the latest operation history, the latest lighting. The operation history of is "ON". With reference to the noise coefficient table, the weighting coefficient "10" of "television" and the weighting coefficient "1" of lighting can be obtained, but since the latest state of the television is "OFF", the television is excluded from the processing. Based on this information, the control unit 38 calculates the noise index Y as follows.

Noise index Y = 1 (lighting ON) = 1

Further, when the destination terminal device 16 is the fifth terminal device 16e and the current time CT is "2018/6/1 10:30", the operation date and time and the current time (current date and time) CT are shown in FIG. Records R in which the difference P is shorter than a predetermined period (for example, 2 hours) are "2018/6/1 10:18:04", "2018/6/1 10:17:53", and "2018/6/1 10". ： 00: 00 ”and“ 2018/6/1 09:30:20 ”. At "2018/6/1 09:30:20", the stereo is turned "ON", and at "2018/6/1 10:00:00", the TV is turned "ON", and "2018/6/1 10" The stereo is turned "OFF" at ": 17:53" and the radio is turned "ON" at "2018/6/1 10:18:04". Of these, the latest operation history (latest state) of the stereo is "OFF", so it is not subject to processing. Since the latest states of the remaining televisions and radios are "ON", these are the targets of processing, and the control unit 38 calculates the noise index Y as follows.

Noise index Y = 10 (TV ON) + 9 (Radio ON) = 19

That is, when the history table 64 has a history in which the external device 20 capable of outputting sound is in the activated state, the control unit 38 adds the noise coefficient of the activated device to be a communication ease index. The noise index Y is calculated. Then proceed to S260.

In S260, the control unit 38 of the terminal device 16 determines whether or not the noise index Y is larger than a predetermined value (threshold value). If it is larger than the threshold value, the transition to S270 occurs. When the noise index Y is equal to or less than the threshold value, the transition to S280 occurs. For example, assuming that the threshold value is "15", the noise index Y "1" of the first terminal device 16a calculated in the above example is not larger than the threshold value, so the transition to S280 is performed and normal transmission is performed. .. Further, when the transmission destination is the fifth terminal device 16e, the calculated noise index Y “19” is larger than the threshold value, so the transition to S270 is performed and the RBT transmission is performed.

In the flowchart of FIG. 16, when "normal transmission" is set in the variable SX in S210, the process of selecting "RBT transmission" based on the noise index Y has been described, but the process is not limited to this. Absent. When "RBT transmission" is set in the variable SX in S210, a process of selecting "normal transmission" may be performed based on the noise index Y. For example, in the flowchart of FIG. 16, instead of proceeding to S270 in the case of S220: Yes, the record R of the destination terminal device 16 is acquired in the same manner as in S240, and the noise index Y is calculated in the same manner as in S250. Then, when the noise index Y is equal to or less than a predetermined value, "normal transmission" may be selected. Further, in the flowchart of FIG. 16, although the processing is performed using the value of the variable SX, the variable SX may not be used. That is, the control unit 38 may automatically select "normal transmission" or "RBT transmission" based on the noise index Y without having the user 18 set the transmission method. That is, if the noise index Y is larger than the threshold value, "RBT transmission" may be selected, and if the noise index Y is equal to or less than the threshold value, "normal transmission" may be selected.

In the above description, the noise index Y is calculated using the "ON" and "OFF" operation types of the external device 20, that is, the operation types for starting and stopping the external device 20, but further information is provided. You may use it. Specifically, the terminal device 16 includes the information controlling the volume of the external device 20 in the operation history packet and transmits the information to the management device. For example, an operation history packet in which the device type is "television" and the operation type is "volume: 10" is transmitted. In addition, information regarding sound quality adjustment (equalizer, etc.) may be transmitted. For example, an operation history packet in which the device type is "stereo" and the operation type is "Bass: +3" or "64Hz: + 6dB" may be transmitted. As described above, the operation type may be information including not only "ON" and "OFF" but also numerical values.

The management device 12 distributes a history table 362 (external device operation history) including information on volume and sound quality to each terminal device 16. The control unit 38 of the terminal device 16 calculates the noise index Y by using at least one of the operation types related to the volume and sound quality of the external device 20 controlled by the destination terminal device 16. For example, when the TV is "ON", the noise index Y when the TV volume is set to "20" is set to a larger value (higher value) than when the TV volume is set to "10". .. Further, even when the volume is the same, the noise index Y is set to a larger value when a predetermined frequency band (for example, bass) is emphasized. For example, when the volume of "stereo" is a constant value, the noise index Y at "Bass: +3" is set to a larger value than "Bass: -3".

Further, even if the terminal device 16 does not change the volume / sound quality of the external device 20, the terminal device 16 acquires the information on the volume / sound quality currently set from the external device 20 via the short-range communication unit 42. Then, the information may be included in the operation history packet and transmitted. That is, even when the user 18 operates the operation unit of the external device main body, the remote controller device different from the terminal device 16, or the like to change the setting of the external device 20, the terminal device 16 is the current state of the external device 20. The setting information may be acquired and transmitted to the management device 12. For example, when the terminal device 16 turns on the power of the external device 20, the current volume setting value (default value or the setting value used last time) is acquired from the external device 20, and the information is obtained from the terminal device 16. Is transmitted to the management device 12. That is, the noise index Y may be calculated using the information on the volume / sound quality that is not controlled by the terminal device 16.

According to this embodiment, a different noise coefficient is set for each external device 20, and the noise index, which is the total value of the noise coefficients, is calculated, so that the transmission method can be switched with higher accuracy. That is, since the noise index is calculated as a communication ease index indicating the degree to which the user of the destination terminal device recognizes the communication and the communication mode is selected based on the noise index, the communication mode can be selected accurately. Therefore, the information spoken by the user of the calling terminal device can be transmitted to the user of the calling terminal device more quickly while reducing the occurrence of a situation in which the user of the calling terminal device does not recognize the information. Can be done.

(Example 4)
Next, Example 4 will be described. Example 4 corresponds to a combination of Example 2 and Example 3. The configuration of the block diagram inside the terminal device 16 of this embodiment, the block diagram of the management device 12, and the history table 64 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The terminal device 16 calculates the occupancy index Z described in the second embodiment and the noise index Y described in the third embodiment, respectively. It can be said that the larger the value of the occupancy index Z, the easier it is for the user 18 of the destination terminal device 16 to recognize an incoming call or a call voice. On the other hand, the larger the noise index Y, the more difficult it is for the user 18 of the destination terminal device 16 to recognize an incoming call or a call voice. Therefore, the control unit 38 calculates the comprehensive index X using the equation (1).

X = α × Z−β × Y equation (1)

Here, α and β are predetermined values (coefficients) larger than 0, respectively. The values of α and β may be the same or different. According to the formula (1), the larger the occupancy index Z, the larger the total index X. Further, the smaller the noise index Y, the larger the total index X.

That is, it can be said that the larger the comprehensive index X is, the easier it is for the user 18 of the destination terminal device 16 to recognize an incoming call or a call voice. Therefore, it can be said that the comprehensive index X is a communication ease index indicating the degree (difficulty) of the user 18 of the terminal device 16 recognizing an incoming call or a call voice. In addition, it can be said that the occupancy index Z is also one of the communication ease indexes. Further, the noise index Y is one of the communication ease indexes, although the relationship between the magnitude of the value and the ease with which the user 18 recognizes the communication is opposite. Therefore, it can be said that the comprehensive index X is a comprehensive communication ease index calculated based on a plurality of types of communication ease indexes.

The terminal device 16 performs the same processing as the flowchart of FIG. However, in S145A corresponding to S145, the comprehensive index X is calculated based on the equation (1). Further, in S155A corresponding to S155, it is determined whether or not the comprehensive index X is larger than a predetermined value (threshold value).

According to this embodiment, the comprehensive index X is calculated using the occupancy index Z and the noise index Y, and the communication mode is selected based on the comprehensive index X, so that the state of the user of the destination terminal device is estimated. The accuracy can be improved. In addition, since the accuracy of estimating the state of the user of the destination terminal device is improved, the communication mode can be selected more appropriately.

(Example 5)
Next, Example 5 will be described. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 (a)-(b) and 3 (a)-(d), it is assumed that the call processing is performed only between the two terminal devices 16 (individual call). However, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that one terminal device 16 performs a broadcast distribution to two or more terminal devices 16 as a group call. The configuration of the block diagram inside the terminal device 16 of this embodiment, the block diagram of the management device 12, and the history table 64 is the same as that of the first embodiment.

The control unit 38 of the terminal device 16 in this embodiment acquires the record R of all the terminal devices 16 (terminal devices other than the source terminal device) belonging to the group in a predetermined period from the history table 64 of the storage unit 40. , The total number T of the terminal devices 16 in which one or more "ON" exists in the operation type is totaled. That is, the total number T is the number of the terminal devices 16 satisfying the predetermined condition of having the operation type of "ON" among the plurality of terminal devices 16 to be transmitted. Even when the RBT transmission is set, when the total number T is larger than the predetermined number N (for example, half of the transmission target terminal devices 16 belonging to the group), that is, most of the users 18 of the terminal devices 16 belonging to the group If it is currently indoors and is likely to stay in place with the terminal device 16, a normal transmission is made to all the terminal devices 16 belonging to the group. As a result, it becomes possible to start a call more quickly in the group as compared with the RBT transmission, and it becomes possible to convey information more quickly.

In the above example, for the sake of brevity, "the total number T is larger than half of the transmission target terminal devices 16 belonging to the group", but the condition is not limited to this. For example, "the total number T is 1 or more", "the total number T is 80% or more of the total number of transmission target terminal devices 16 belonging to the group", and "the total number T is the total number of transmission target terminal devices 16 belonging to the group". The same condition may be used. In addition, individual conditions may be set for each group. For example, in group A, the condition "30% or more of the total number of transmission target terminal devices 16" may be used, and in group B, the condition "80% or more of the total number of transmission target terminal devices 16" may be used. Further, in this embodiment, the operation at the time of group call is used for explanation, but the same process as that of this embodiment is performed at the time of simultaneous call, that is, when RBT is transmitted to all the terminal devices 16 of the communication system 100. You may.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a communication mode selection process by the terminal device 16. The control unit 38 monitors the pressing of the call button from the input unit 30. (S400). If the call button press is not detected (S400: No), the process returns to S400 and the process is repeated. When the call button press is detected (S400: Yes), the process proceeds to S410. In S410, the control unit 38 executes the transmission method acquisition process. The transmission method acquisition process is the same as the flowchart of FIG. 12 of the first embodiment. Then proceed to S420. In S420, the control unit 38 determines whether or not the variable SX acquired in S410 is "RBT transmission". If the transmission method is "RBT transmission" (S420: Yes), the process proceeds to S425. When the transmission method is "normal transmission" (S420: No), the process proceeds to S520.

In S425, the control unit 38 acquires the current time CT from the timekeeping unit 32. Then proceed to S430. In S430, the control unit 38 shows that the difference P between the operation date and time and the current time CT is shorter than a predetermined period (for example, 2 hours) for all the terminal devices 16 belonging to the transmission destination group from the history table 64 of the storage unit 40. Get record R. At this time, after initializing the list L (after making it blank), the acquired record R of each terminal device 16 is recorded in the list L. In addition, the value of the total number T is also initialized (set to zero). Then proceed to S440. In S440, the control unit 38 sets a predetermined number N. The predetermined number N may be a numerical value indicating a ratio to all 16 terminal devices belonging to the group as described in this embodiment, or may be a constant. Then proceed to S460. In S460, the control unit 38 acquires all the records R of the arbitrary terminal device 16 from the list L. Then, the acquired record R information of the terminal device 16 is deleted from the list L. Then proceed to S480.

In S480, the control unit 38 acquires the operation type of the record R of any terminal device 16 acquired in S460. If all the operation types of the record R are "OFF", (S480: No) proceeds to S500. If one or more "ON" is present in the operation type of the record R (S480: Yes), the process proceeds to S490. In S490, the control unit 38 increments the total number T by "1". Then proceed to S500. In S500, the control unit 38 determines whether or not the record R of the terminal device 16 exists in the list L. The terminal device 16 existing in the list L is an unprocessed terminal device 16. If the record R of the terminal device 16 does not exist in the list L (S500: No), the process proceeds to S510. When the record R of the terminal device 16 exists in the list L (S500: Yes), the process returns to S460 and the process is repeated. In S510, the control unit 38 compares the total number T with the predetermined number N set in S440. If the total number T is larger (more) than the predetermined number N (S510: Yes), the process proceeds to S520. When the total number T is equal to or less than the predetermined number N (S510: No), the process proceeds to S530. In S520, the control unit 38 normally makes a transmission to the transmission destination terminal device 16. Then the process ends. In S530, the control unit 38 makes an RBT transmission to the transmission destination terminal device 16. Then the process ends.

In the flowchart of FIG. 17, when "RBT transmission" is set in the variable SX in S410, the process of selecting "normal transmission" based on the total number T has been described, but the process is not limited to this. Absent. When "normal transmission" is set in the variable SX, the process of selecting "RBT transmission" may be performed based on the total number T. For example, in the flowchart of FIG. 17, instead of proceeding to S520 in the case of S420: No, the total number T is calculated in the same manner as in the above method. Then, when the total number T is equal to or less than the predetermined number N, "RBT transmission" may be selected. Further, in the flowchart of FIG. 17, although the processing is performed using the value of the variable SX, the variable SX may not be used. That is, the control unit 38 may automatically select "normal transmission" or "RBT transmission" according to the total number T without causing the user 18 to set the transmission method. That is, "normal transmission" may be selected when the total number T is greater than the predetermined number, and "RBT transmission" may be selected when the total number T is equal to or less than the predetermined number.

According to this embodiment, the second communication mode is selected when the number of operation destination terminal devices is larger than the threshold value among the plurality of destination terminal devices, and the first in other cases. Since the communication mode is selected, the communication mode can be appropriately selected even in group communication.

(Example 6)
Next, Example 6 will be described. Until now, the transmission method has been switched based on the operation of the transmission destination terminal device 16 for the external device 20. In the sixth embodiment, the transmission method is switched based on the operation of an application program (hereinafter, referred to as "application" or "application") performed in the terminal device 16. The structure of the block diagram inside the terminal device 16 and the block diagram of the management device 12 of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. Here, the terminal device 16 does not have to include the short-range communication unit 42. Further, in this embodiment, the terminal device 16 included in the communication system 100 does not have to control the external device 20. That is, the external device 20 does not have to exist.

A plurality of types of applications are stored in the storage unit 40 in the terminal device 16 of FIG. The plurality of types of applications (apps) are, for example, an e-mail application, a browser application, a schedule application, a photo / video shooting application, a photo / video viewing application, a music playback application, and the like. The control unit 38 executes the application stored in the storage unit 40, and displays the screen of the executed application on the display unit 36. The input unit 30 receives an operation on the screen displayed on the display unit 36. The control unit 38 controls the operation of the application according to the operation received by the input unit 30. Further, when the control unit 38 receives an operation at the input unit 30, the control unit 38 acquires the current time (date and time) from the time counting unit 32. The control unit 38 packetizes the current time acquired from the timekeeping unit 32 and the operation history of the application, and transmits the packet to the management device 12 through the communication unit 34. In this embodiment, the above packet is also referred to as an operation history packet.

FIG. 18 shows a data structure of an operation history packet transmitted from the terminal device 16. The terminal ID is the same as in FIG. The operation date and time includes the operation date and the operation time, and the date (year / month / day) and the current time acquired from the timekeeping unit 32 are described in this. In the application type, the name of the application that performed the operation or an identifier (application ID) that identifies the application is described. The application type may be omitted in the operation history packet.

The communication unit 334 in the management device 12 of FIG. 9 receives the operation history packet transmitted from each terminal device 16. The communication unit 334 outputs the received operation history packet to the control unit 338. A history table 362 is arranged in the storage unit 340. The contents of the operation history packet transmitted from each terminal device 16 are recorded in the history table 362. FIG. 19 shows the data structure of the history table 362 of the management device 12. Each parameter of the history table 362 is the same as the content described in the operation history packet configuration example of FIG. In the terminal ID of the history table 362, the recording of the name of the terminal device 16 may be omitted. Return to FIG.

The control unit 338 acquires the history table 362 from the storage unit 340 at a predetermined cycle (for example, 3 minutes). The communication unit 334 distributes the contents of the history table 362 to all the terminal devices 16 via the base station device 14 at a predetermined cycle.

The terminal device 16 that has received the history table 362 records in the history table 64 of the storage unit 40. The terminal device 16 executes a normal transmission or an RBT transmission by executing the same processing as in the first embodiment. That is, the operation history related to the application shown in FIG. 19 is treated and processed in the same manner as the operation history of the operation type "ON" shown in FIG. In this embodiment, since all the operation histories correspond to "ON", for example, as a process corresponding to S150 and S160 of the first embodiment, whether or not there are a predetermined number (for example, one) or more of records R is determined. judge. Then, when there are a predetermined number (for example, one) or more of records R, "normal transmission" may be selected, and when there are less than a predetermined number of records R, "RBT transmission" may be selected. That is, the terminal device 16 selects the communication mode based on the history information indicating the operation performed in the other terminal device 16. The operation in the other terminal device 16 is an operation for an application installed in the other terminal device 16 as described above. Further, the operation is not limited to the operation for the application, and may be, for example, an operation for changing the setting of the other terminal device 16 or an operation for making a call with the other terminal device 16.

According to this embodiment, since the transmission method of the transmission source terminal device is switched according to the operation performed on the transmission destination terminal device, the communication mode can be appropriately used even in a situation where no external device exists. ..

In each of the first to sixth embodiments, a communication system for making a voice call between the terminal devices 16 has been described as an example, but the communication is not limited to the voice call and may be another communication. For example, it may be a communication system that makes a video call using video and audio. It may also be a communication system that exchanges text messages. For example, in a chat system for exchanging text data and image data, a normal transmission mode and an RBT transmission mode (response required mode) are prepared. When the first terminal device 16a wants to transmit text data to the second terminal device 16b, in the normal transmission mode, the user 18 (first user 18a) of the first terminal device 16a immediately inputs the text data. Can be sent. The transmitted data is immediately displayed on the second terminal device 16b, but there is no guarantee that the user 18 (second user 18b) of the second terminal device 16b recognizes it.

On the other hand, in the RBT transmission mode, the first terminal device 16a transmits a session start request to the second terminal device 16b. In the second terminal device 16b, a screen display indicating that there is a session start request is made, and a notification sound or the like is output. A session is established when the second user 18b performs a predetermined operation and responds (permits) to the session start request, after which the first user 18a can input text. Immediately after the second user 18b responds, the first user 18a performs an operation such as text input to transmit, so that the second user 18b may recognize the message immediately as compared with the normal mode. high. Therefore, even when sending a message that is of no value if the other party recognizes it after a lapse of time, it is possible to prevent the operation (text input, etc.) of the sender user 18 from being wasted. In a predetermined period after the user session is established, both terminal devices 16 may be able to freely transmit data, or may be an operation of always waiting for the response of the other party before transmitting the data. The present invention can also be applied to such a communication system, and it is possible to obtain an effect of preventing the operation of the source user 18 from being wasted when the communication partner is absent or not in an active state.

Any combination of Examples 1 to 6 is also valid. According to this modification, the effect of any combination of Examples 1 to 6 can be obtained.

10 network, 12 management device, 14 base station device, 16 terminal device, 18 user, 20 external device, 30 input unit, 32 clock unit, 34 communication unit, 36 display unit, 38 control unit, 40 storage unit, 42 near Distance communication unit, 44 voice input unit, 46 voice output unit, 60 setting table, 64 history table, 100 communication system, 200 clock oscillator, 210 CPU, 220 user IF, 230 communication IF, 240 voice IF, 250 bus, 332 total time Unit, 334 communication unit, 338 control unit, 340 storage unit, 362 history table, 400 clock oscillator, 410 CPU, 430 communication IF, 450 bus.

Claims (7)

An acquisition unit that acquires history information indicating operations in other terminal devices,
Based on the history information acquired by the acquisition unit, a first communication mode in which communication is started after a predetermined operation is performed in the other terminal device and a predetermined operation are performed in the other terminal device. A control unit that selects one of the second communication modes in which communication is started even if there is no communication mode,
A communication unit that transmits a signal to the other terminal device according to a communication mode selected by the control unit.
A terminal device characterized by comprising. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the history information is information indicating that the other terminal device has controlled the start and stop of the external device. The control unit selects the second communication mode when there is a predetermined number or more of history information that the other terminal device has activated the external device within a predetermined period.
2. The terminal device according to claim 2. The acquisition unit acquires history information in which the other terminal device controls a plurality of external devices.
The control unit adds the values set for each of the plurality of external devices to the activated external device, and calculates a communication ease index indicating the degree to which the user of the other terminal device recognizes the communication. , Select the communication mode based on the communication ease index,
2. The terminal device according to claim 2. The acquisition unit acquires history information in which the other terminal device controls an external device capable of outputting sound.
The control unit refers to the acquired history information, and indicates the degree to which the user of the other terminal device recognizes the communication based on the type of the external device capable of outputting sound or the set volume of the external device. Calculate the ease index and select the communication mode based on the communication ease index.
2. The terminal device according to claim 2. The acquisition unit acquires history information about a plurality of other terminal devices, and obtains history information.
The control unit selects one of the first communication mode and the second communication mode according to the number of terminal devices having history information satisfying a predetermined condition among the plurality of other terminal devices.
The communication unit transmits a signal to the plurality of other terminal devices according to the communication mode selected by the control unit.
The terminal device according to claim 1. On the computer
Steps to acquire history information indicating operations in other terminal devices,
Based on the acquired history information, there are a first communication mode in which communication is started after a predetermined operation is performed in the other terminal device, and a case where the predetermined operation is not performed in the other terminal device. The step of selecting one of the second communication modes, which also starts communication, and
A step of transmitting a signal to the other terminal device according to the selected communication mode, and
A program that executes.

Images